UPI: Palestinian Authority officials accuse Iran and Syria of pushing the Palestinians toward a civil war, with Hamas taking orders from Tehran and Damascus. United Press International
RAMALLAH, West Bank, Jan. 29 (UPI) — Palestinian Authority officials accuse Iran and Syria of pushing the Palestinians toward a civil war, with Hamas taking orders from Tehran and Damascus.
The allegation came as more Palestinians were killed in internal fighting, the Jerusalem Post reported. Armed clashes occurred over the weekend between Hamas and Fatah gunmen in various locations in the Gaza Strip.
“Iran and Syria are encouraging Hamas to continue fighting against Fatah,” said a senior official in PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas’ office. “They want to deliver a message to the Americans that there will be no stability in Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon as long as Washington continues to ignore Syria and Iran.”
Another PA official said the leaders of Iran and Syria are discouraging any talks that would lead to the formation of a unified Palestinian government.
